Big difference between 90s oline and today's

[Galian Beast]

In 1991 Mark Tuinei was 31 years old (played for Dallas until age 37, last pro bowl at 35), Kevin Gogan was 27, Mark Stepnoski was 24 (last played for Dallas at age 34, last pro bowl at age 29 with Houston), Nate Newton was 30 (played for Dallas until age 37, last pro bowl at 37).

Erik Williams became a starter in 92, and he was 24.He played for Dallas until age 32, and his last pro bowl was at 31.

Larry Allen became a starter in his rookie year in 1994. He was 23, but by this time Tunei was 34, Newton was 33, Stepnoski was 27. He played in Dallas until age 34 and was a pro bowler last at age 35.

Right now Zack Martin is 26, Travis Frederick is 25, Collins is 23, Smith is 26, Leary is 27. Chaz Green is 24.

This line could very well be productive for another 10 years... It's unfortunate a decision needs to be made regarding Leary now, because, I don't see us re-signing him. Would have been nice if Collins could have competed at RT.

Note: Doug Free is 32.

 

[Supercowboy1986]

I wish we had a modern day Larry Allen, or just Larry allen himself at 23.

 

[xwalker]

I wish we had a modern day Larry Allen, or just Larry allen himself at 23.

They need Erik Williams at RT...

 

[Thefeelofcotton]

Chaz Green seems to have stepped up nicely this season. If he continues to progress, he'll take over at RT. Depending on how Leary's knee looks (he has a degenerative knee condition) I'd offer him a 2 or 3 year deal. Collins is a good talent but it seems like this run offense has just blossomed with Leary back at guard.

If they decide to let Leary walk, I'm fine with it so pong as Collins steps his game up. Once we lock down Martin for another 5-6 we can honestly rotate out good players at RT and LG.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I love that they're all so young giving this team a great foundation to work with. I'd love it if Leary decided that it works here in Dallas for him and just stayed. I know he won't but I'd love it if he did.

 

[erod]

The biggest difference is pedigree.

Tuinei was an undrafted defensive lineman from Hawaii converted to offense. Nate Newton was an undrafted guy from the USFL. Stepnoski was a 3rd round pick. Gogan was an 8th-round pick, so he would be undrafted today. Gesek was a 10th rounder released by the Raiders. Williams was a 3rd rounder. Larry Allen was a 2nd rounder from nowhere Sonoma State.

 

[cowboys1981]

I don't think Leary stays. When your team succeeds your FA get overpriced.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

I don't think Leary stays. When your team succeeds your FA get overpriced.

yea, the Colts have a ton of cap space, I can see him ending up there...assuming they fire their idiot GM and replace him with someone at least semi competent.

 

[Direwolf63]

No. The biggest difference between these teams is that the 90's teams had the #1 overall defense. They had playmakers everywhere on the defensive side of the ball.

This teams defense is being carried by the offense. If this offense has a bad game, the defense will not be able to pick them up, as was the case in the 90's.

 

[Supercowboy1986]

They need Erik Williams at RT...

I said wished, not needed

 

[Galian Beast]

Chaz Green seems to have stepped up nicely this season. If he continues to progress, he'll take over at RT. Depending on how Leary's knee looks (he has a degenerative knee condition) I'd offer him a 2 or 3 year deal. Collins is a good talent but it seems like this run offense has just blossomed with Leary back at guard.

If they decide to let Leary walk, I'm fine with it so pong as Collins steps his game up. Once we lock down Martin for another 5-6 we can honestly rotate out good players at RT and LG.

I wouldn't make that determination based on two games nor would I resign Leary solely on that belief after seeing Collins play two games into his sophomore campaign.

I think Collins is the future there, and thus I find it hard pressed to re-sign Leary. I also don't see him signing a short term deal. This is really his chance to get paid.

I think ultimately you're looking at smith-collins-frederick-martin-green

 

[Galian Beast]

No. The biggest difference between these teams is that the 90's teams had the #1 overall defense. They had playmakers everywhere on the defensive side of the ball.

This teams defense is being carried by the offense. If this offense has a bad game, the defense will not be able to pick them up, as was the case in the 90's.

Sounds like you read the title of the thread but heard what you wanted to hear...

 

[Seven]

Sign Leary..............I'm putting that on my jersey.

 

[Thomas82]

The biggest difference is pedigree.

Tuinei was an undrafted defensive lineman from Hawaii converted to offense. Nate Newton was an undrafted guy from the USFL. Stepnoski was a 3rd round pick. Gogan was an 8th-round pick, so he would be undrafted today. Gesek was a 10th rounder released by the Raiders. Williams was a 3rd rounder. Larry Allen was a 2nd rounder from nowhere Sonoma State.

A lot of folks don't know this, but Big Nate was actually cut by the Commanders in training camp before he signed with us.

 

[Eddie]

I don't think Leary and Free will be around next year. That's 2/5 of our OL.

RT is in flux as I'm not sure Green can stay healthy.

 

[mrmojo]

Tony Wise did a heck of a job with that unit, biggest line in football at the time but they could move. Tui was the most underrated at LT, E Williams was the best before the accident, just a nasty great player.....should have been a HOFer like Allen if not for that. Step was undersized but held his own, Nate became a star by Madden but was agile and quick, Gesek was solid and Gogan was a monster.

 

[conner01]

I wouldn't make that determination based on two games nor would I resign Leary solely on that belief after seeing Collins play two games into his sophomore campaign.

I think Collins is the future there, and thus I find it hard pressed to re-sign Leary. I also don't see him signing a short term deal. This is really his chance to get paid.

I think ultimately you're looking at smith-collins-frederick-martin-green

Green played well when he played. Talent is not the issue with him, availability has been his biggest issue

 

[Manwiththeplan]

I wouldn't make that determination based on two games nor would I resign Leary solely on that belief after seeing Collins play two games into his sophomore campaign.

I think Collins is the future there, and thus I find it hard pressed to re-sign Leary. I also don't see him signing a short term deal. This is really his chance to get paid.

I think ultimately you're looking at smith-collins-frederick-martin-green

People are really going over board with their criticisms of Collins. Yes the run game struggled the first two weeks, and it took off in week three. But La'el was a part of it taking off against Chicago, considering he played a good portion of the game (I think most of that game).

To be honest, as good as Dak and Zeke are as rookies, they weren't this good the first two weeks. Dak may have been, but the coaching staff did not trust him enough to really open things up, once they did, the run game took off

 

[dallasfan4lizife]

I swear to my heavenly father if we don't resign Leary.

Do. not. break. this. O-line. up.

 

[Temo]

The biggest difference is pedigree.

Tuinei was an undrafted defensive lineman from Hawaii converted to offense. Nate Newton was an undrafted guy from the USFL. Stepnoski was a 3rd round pick. Gogan was an 8th-round pick, so he would be undrafted today. Gesek was a 10th rounder released by the Raiders. Williams was a 3rd rounder. Larry Allen was a 2nd rounder from nowhere Sonoma State.

And that led to over a decade of unsuccessfully trying to build an O-Line without investing draft picks.